In his letter to the Thessalonian church, Paul concludes with a series of instructions for Christian living. It is here that we find an often-quoted passage of Scripture.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

Perhaps you have read this text before. It is one of those passages that fits nice and neat into our minds–not requiring hours of exegesis to uncover its true meaning. The instructions are simple: believers are to constantly rejoice, constantly pray, and constantly give thanks. These three imperatives are described as being God’s will for Christians.

In this month of Thanksgiving, we will focus our attention on three ideas drawn from the final portion of this instruction: giving thanks. 

Thankfulness is Constant

Thankfulness can be defined as the sincere expression of gratitude. In this case, believers are instructed to express gratitude to God “in all circumstances.” This means thankfulness ought to flow from our hearts in times of plenty and in times of want, when we feel like it and when we don’t, when it seems like there is something clear to thank God for, and when it feels less clear. No matter the circumstances, we are to express our gratitude toward our Creator. 

Thankfulness is a Choice 

Connected to the idea that our thankfulness ought to be constant is the idea that thankfulness is a choice. Particularly in difficult circumstances, thankfulness is a deliberate act of the will. When the promotion comes at work, thankfulness may flow easily. But what about when a loved one passes away, children stray from the Lord, and money is tight? Certainly, there is a time for mourning and pleading with the Lord. Nevertheless, the command still stands. Believers are to choose thankfulness regardless of the circumstance. 

Thankfulness is God’s Will for You

Scripture does not present thankfulness as merely a better option to ingratitude or indifference. Rather, thankfulness is God’s desire for you–it is His clear and expressed will. To neglect a posture of thankfulness is to neglect God’s will for your life. Of course, there is a personal benefit to living thankfully–God tells us that He works all things together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). But God’s will delves deeper than that. We are instructed to be thankful because it is what pleases Him. How could we not walk in the path that the God who gave His Son for us instructs?

As we consider thankfulness in this month of Thanksgiving, may we meditate earnestly on the command to “give thanks in all circumstances.” As we do, we will be in greater alignment with the will of the Lord in our lives, and we will discover with greater clarity how abundant God’s blessings are in our lives. As the Puritan George Trosse stated: “The thankful heart shall never [lack] mercies from God to be thankful for.”